Rio Tinto Centre for Materials and Sensing in Mining

Based at Curtin's Bentley campus, the Rio Tinto Centre for Materials and Sensing in Mining will provide unique opportunities for Curtin's researchers and research students to enhance the most advanced mining systems in the world. The Centre will also be a magnet that attracts talented scientists and engineers seeking quality research facilities in a global industry focussed environment and is becoming a world class innovation centre for strategic research and development in materials and sensing in mining.

Open pit mining operations and associated transport efficiency issues will be addressed by the new Centre and ultimately benefit Rio Tinto by providing solutions through the development of advanced and innovative technologies. Greater knowledge of rock properties will lead to improvement of logistics such as mining sequence, equipment deployment, ore/waste discrimination and subsequent processing steps.

"The Centre will involve collaboration with key research areas across the University and will include partnerships with a range of highly respected international research institutes. It clearly demonstrates the significant focus Curtin has in the resources sector." Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice Chancellor of Curtin

"This partnership is exciting, both for its research potential and for its practical and commercial perspective. Its main work will be in development, testing and deployment of technologies with specific application to Rio Tinto's operations. The centre will play a significant role in Rio Tinto's drive to incorporate world-class R&D in its operations and vision for the mine of the future." Mr Sam Walsh, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive